Italian Escape (Winter, Classic, 6 Days)

Customer Reviews

• E

  Emily

  · August 4th, 2024
  I did the Italian Escape Tour but missed the initial meeting due to a doctor's visit. I met the group later and had a brief, casual conversation with the trip manager, who asked if I’d like to do all the optional activities, stating that “pretty much everyone is doing them.” I agreed without realizing my response was binding. I was not informed about any 48-hour cancellation policies or exclusions. That night, I reviewed the optional activities and saw they exceeded my budget. The next morning, I informed the trip manager of the activities I didn’t want to do, but was told it was too late as an email had been sent and I had to pay. Feeling pressured, I insisted on not attending the Napoli food tour, preferring the Capri ferry ride, Pompeii tour, and Colosseum tour. The trip manager then cited a hidden 48-hour cancellation policy. I reluctantly agreed to the food tour but asked to cancel the Colosseum tour. He agreed, as it was outside the 48-hour period. During the tour, the trip manager pressured me, claiming I’d be stranded on the side of the road if I didn’t join certain activities, like the Lemon Tour on the Amalfi coast. Contrary to his claim, as I hopped of the ferry ride I saw the beautiful coast and spent the day swimming at the beach and had a great lunch. It was thee most amazing side of the road. On the day of the Colosseum tour, the trip manager tried to charge me 180 euros, which included for the Colosseum tour, which I had canceled. He claimed the Colosseum was an exception to the 48-hour rule. I refused to pay 180 euros, but said I will pay 122 euros which was all the actives I attended and said I wanted to do. I contacted Contiki, speaking with Tasha Hayes the operations manager and sustainability director, who was extremely unhelpful and insisted on the payment. She was not willing to hear me out, and calling my handling of the situation ‘unfortunate’. Finally, on the last night, the trip manager eventually accepted my payment of 122 euros, excluding the Colosseum tour. However he claimed and Tasha Hayes informed me, that the trip manger would have to pay out of his own pocket now. I think that’s unfortunate as it’s a hidden policy i can’t even find on the contiki website, however it was the trip manager’s responsibility to tell me these policies on day one which he failed to do, so I hope he has now learnt his lesson to be transparent and honest. I refused to pay for his negligence. This experience was extremely stressful. I had expected support from Contiki but instead faced constant pressure and felt wronged. The trip manager lied about informing me of the policies, and Contiki’s customer service, especially Tasha Hayes, was unhelpful. They threatened to exclude me from optional activities on my upcoming Croatia sail unless I paid for the Colosseum tour. I was not informed of the policies upfront and felt pressured throughout the trip. Ultimately, I didn't pay but was threatened with exclusion from future activities as my punishment due to their lack of transparency. I am disgusted with Contiki's handling of the situation and would never recommend this company ever again unless you want to be scammed and treated like sh**.
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  Contiki commented on this review

  Thank you for your review. We apologise for any inconvenience during your tour with us. Our team has started reviewing your booking, and our Guest Relations Department will contact you in due course to discuss your concerns. We appreciate your feedback.... Show more
  Trip date: July 2024
• ND

  Nadine

  · September 7th, 2021
  I really enjoyed the trip to Italy. I think Joel was a great tour guide and especially with Adam they made a great team! I liked the program and enjoyed meeting all the nice people. The hotels were good, only in Naples the accommodation could have been cleaner.
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  Trip date: August 2021